Meerkats famous meme on X (Twitter): What to know about this animal

A photo of meerkat has become so famous meme on X (formerly Twitter) and users has made posts using the meme which many have found hilarious.

The picture started trending earlier this week before users used Grok, an XAI to put a hat on the meerkat.

Many have been trying to know the name of the animal which has become a celebrity meme, while many refer to it as Timon, a famous character in Lion King, the animal’s real name is meerkat.

Here is everything You Need to Know About Meerkats

Meerkats are one of the most fascinating creatures in the animal kingdom. Small, social, and incredibly alert, these animals have captured the hearts of nature lovers and documentary watchers alike. But there’s more to meerkats than their curious pose and wide eyes.

Let’s dive into the world of meerkats and explore where they live, how they behave, and why their social lives are surprisingly complex.

What Is a Meerkat?

A meerkat is a small mammal that belongs to the mongoose family. Its scientific name is Suricata suricatta. Meerkats are about 10 to 14 inches long, with an additional 7 to 10 inches for the tail. They weigh just over two pounds on average.

They have slender bodies, pointed faces, and dark patches around their eyes that help reduce sun glare—almost like built-in sunglasses. Their fur is usually a sandy or grayish-brown color, which helps them blend into their desert surroundings.

Where Do Meerkats Live?

Meerkats are native to southern Africa. You can find them in countries like South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Angola. They prefer open areas like savannas, deserts, and scrublands. The Kalahari Desert is one of their most iconic homes.

Despite living in dry, tough environments, meerkats thrive by adapting to the conditions. They live in large underground burrows with complex tunnel systems, which help them escape extreme heat during the day and the cold at night.

How Do Meerkats Live Together?

Meerkats are highly social animals. They live in groups called mobs or gangs, which usually include around 20 individuals but can grow to over 40. These groups are often made up of extended families.

Within a mob, there’s usually a dominant breeding pair that produces most of the offspring. Other adults help raise the young. They take turns watching over the pups, feeding them, and even babysitting while others go out to forage.

This cooperative lifestyle is one of the most interesting aspects of meerkat behavior. Everyone plays a role. When some members go hunting, others stay behind to protect the burrow and keep an eye out for predators.

The Famous Lookout Behavior

One of the things people instantly associate with meerkats is their “sentinel” behavior. You’ve probably seen images of meerkats standing upright, scanning the horizon. That’s not just for show.

In every group, one meerkat takes on the role of sentry while others forage for food. If danger is spotted—like an eagle flying overhead or a snake slithering by—the lookout meerkat will sound the alarm with a series of high-pitched barks or whistles.

As soon as the warning is given, the group scatters to safety, usually diving into the nearest burrow or cover.